BIRMINGHAMS BLOSSOM IS BLOOMIN' BEAUTIFUL, BAB!
If you are a photographer in Birmingham then there is quite a high chance that you have photographed the Cherry Blossom at Oozells Square at some point. Guess what, it’s back! The beautiful sight is one of the highlights of Spring in the city and after having missed it in recent years, I couldn’t resist the urge to go and get my photographic fill of the flowery magic.
If you are a photographer in Birmingham then there is quite a high chance that you have photographed the Cherry Blossom at Oozells Square at some point. Guess what, it’s back! The beautiful sight is one of the highlights of Spring in the city and after having missed it in recent years, I couldn’t resist the urge to go and get my photographic fill of the flowery magic.
Though it might not be everyone’s favourite photographic subject, there is no denying that the blossom brings a little bit of beauty to Birmingham's city centre. Judging by the amount of people stopping to take pictures, it is certainly popular with both amateur and professional shooters - and copious amounts of passers by grabbing shots for their social feeds!
The blossom normally makes its appearance around early April. However, this year it has sprung a little early. Not that you would miss it, you only have to follow a handful of social media accounts in Birmingham and the iconic scene will soon be filling your feed! The bright pink spectacle is like a call-to-arms for local photographers and more than a few tourists, all attempting to capture the beauty of the blossom.
I was determined to capture it this year and as soon as weather conditions looked right (just enough sun to brighten the scene a little) and diary permitting (occasionally, clients cancelling jobs has its benefits!) - and I was off, multiple cameras around my neck and looking every bit a photography cliche! That didn’t bother me, I knew what my mission was and some cherry blossoms were about to be photographed!
“Small groups of locals and tourists were dotted around, carefully examining the view and precisely picking their angles”
As I arrived at Oozells Square, it was already apparent that many others had beaten me to it. Small groups of locals and tourists were dotted around, carefully examining the view and precisely picking their angles. I didn’t particularly want people in my shots, preferring to let the blossom do the talking. However, there was a more pressing issue, notably a huge bank of cloud and rain scheduled - I was going to need to work quickly.
I went straight to the obvious shot. Running diagonally through the square is a thin channel of water - as pretty as it is, it also supplies a fantastic reflection of another icon - well, the actual Ikon Gallery! It’s been done a million times before but like photographing the Bullring Bull, the reflections at Gas Street Basin or pretty much any shot of The Rotunda - the classics are classics for a reason.
I was working with a pretty new (old) camera - a Pentax 645Z. It’s a big behemoth of a camera and in all honesty, I’m still getting used to the button layout. Hulking this huge camera around and fiddling with every button and setting whilst shooting the most obvious scene I could find - I was very conscious that I looked like a complete photography ‘newbie’. As soon as I got my settings dialled in and I started to see the images on the back of the camera, I didn’t care! The scene looked good and the camera was doing its job!
I mooched around for a while looking for different angles, being sure to do little ‘bro nods’ to fellow photographers as people came and went. I even managed to get stopped by security, this is nothing unusual when carrying a camera the size of a large cat (I’ve measured it against my own cat!). What was more unusual was that security just wanted to inform me that there is currently a photography competition running for the blossom - Security, encouraging me to take photographs, yes please! After having a very friendly chat, we went our separate ways and right on time, the rain started to land on my lens and the fun was over.
In truth, I know that the blossom might not be everyone's ‘cup-of-tea’. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the little break to capture the blossom before it inevitably makes way. In terms of a photographic calendar in Birmingham, it is definitely a highlight and the little pop of colour after the inevitably grey winter is always a welcome change!
A few tips if you are planning a visit
If you are planning a visit to Oozells Square to capture the blossom, I would recommend taking a zoom lens or a macro lens if you have one - something I failed to do! There are so many little details to capture, like the reflections in puddles and getting some blossom shots with plenty of bokeh goodness! Also be sure to put some time aside to have a look around the wonderful Ikon Gallery and grab a coffee while you’re there.
One other piece of advice I would give is to plan your visit around the weather but also the direction of the sun! There are a lot of tall buildings around the square which can leave the blossom in shade for much of the day. I found that around 9.00am is a good time to visit (and the time the shots you see in this post were taken). This allows a little bit of sunlight to fall on the Ikon which really brightens the scene - as long as it’s sunny that is!
Looking ahead, I think next year I’ll try to capture some video to accompany the shots and possibly even dust off the large format film camera to capture the scene. For now though, I’m just glad I got there before the blossom hit the floor!
A Little Update
After writing this, the next day the weather looked good in the morning so I decided to run out with the film camera (Bronica GS-1 and Kodak Portra 400 for those who are interested) and grab some shots before the blossom was gone.
The shots didn’t turn out quite as well as I’d hoped. I underexposed most of the shots and I think my chemicals may be going off as there was a bit of a weird colour cast to the shots - all that aside, I do think they have a bit of character to them, but I’m certainly glad I got the digital shots the day before. I would love to know which shot is your favourite so leave a comment below :)
Thanks for reading :)
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
WELCOMING THE SPRING WITH THE BEST VIEW IN BIRMINGHAM!
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that I can’t wait for Spring! It feels like it’s been Winter for an eternity so when the amazing people at Orelle, Birmingham’s hottest spot for fine dining (and even better views!) got in touch and asked if I’d like to welcome the Spring in style, it was a resounding yes!!
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that I can’t wait for Spring! It feels like it’s been Winter for an eternity so when the amazing people at Orelle, Birmingham’s hottest spot for fine dining (and even better views!) got in touch and asked if I’d like to welcome the Spring in style, it was a resounding yes!!
If you have any connection with the Birmingham food scene then Orelle will have been on your radar for quite a while. The awesome guys from D&D London had been planning something special for their first restaurant in Birmingham and they certainly found a great spot for it! The 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row offers 360 degree views of Birmingham. But as an additional treat, they also have a fantastic cocktail bar on the ground floor.
And it was a cocktail that was the main attraction and the perfect accompaniment for welcoming in the Spring! You see, I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Orelle are launching their own Speakeasy! A secret cocktail launched each month that can only be accessed by those with a special password! I obviously can’t tell you what it is but what I can say is that I happened to be at the bar and uttered the words ‘Golden Key’ and before I knew it, a kindly gentleman behind the bar nodded at me and said ‘Certainly, Sir’ and the magic commenced…
Please note: I received a cocktail for free for attending this event but no other payment or controls were in place, in exchange for publishing this content
The first cocktail to be launched is the ‘Equinox Sour’, a celebration of the changing season it’s a Pisco-base mixed with fresh Spring flavours including, Elderflower, Fresh Lemon and Butterfly Pea Flower.The highlight being the addition of lemon which turns the cocktail slightly pink from its deep purple colour, referencing the changing of the seasons and lighter days and evenings.
However, as much of a treat as the Equinox Sour was, there was something else that had piqued my interest, and that was the views! Even though the promise of a beautiful sunset to mark the changing of the season would have been the perfect way to say goodbye to the Winter - This is England, so of course it was raining! Nonetheless, the views are breathtaking no matter the time of day or night and regardless of the weather conditions!
“I can safely say, those views never lose their appeal and you certainly have to experience them in person to appreciate them.”
In truth, I’m no stranger to the building. In fact, my relationship with the site started many years ago when I joined a group of other photographers to photograph from the roof of the Natwest Tower, which stood on the site before being demolished and replaced by the new 103 Colmore Row.
I was very fortunate to photograph the building throughout its construction and was present at many of the key milestones. I even got to interview the guys from D&D when they first saw the new restaurant space before it was transformed into the beautiful environment you now see. So I have been fortunate to see the panoramic views on many, many occasions. I can safely say, those views never lose their appeal and you certainly have to experience them in person to appreciate them.
However, back to the fun stuff and after watching the Equinox Sour slowly transition from a deep violet to a beautifully layered mix of pinks and purples, it was time to taste it! Wow, is all I’ll say. I’m no cocktail connoisseur, but what I can say is it certainly got my attention! I can see why it’s creator, Tiago Bastos, Orelle’s bar manager thought that this would be the perfect accompaniment to bring in the fresh, bright new season! If only the weather had been a bit more fitting, but I’m not complaining…
After pretty much glugging the cocktail down, I couldn’t help but grab some shots of the views - regardless of how many times I see them, there is always something new to appreciate. In truth, these are far from my best images I’ve taken from this vantage point but I actually really liked the moody ‘Blade Runner’-esque vibes - I could even live with the warm reflections from inside the restaurant which almost felt like light leaks on an old roll of film - something I would know all about!
And while I’m at it, how amazing does the restaurant look?! I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of trying the food yet but one thing is for sure, anything would taste better in these surroundings, possibly even my cooking! The warm, welcoming interior screams class with just enough of a hint of fun, and when combined with the ground floor cocktail bar, you can certainly tell that the guys at Orelle are offering something truly special for visitors from Birmingham and beyond.
Thank you again to the guys at Orelle and ReWired PR for the very special invite and complementary cocktail. If you get the chance to experience the bar and restaurant for yourself, don’t forget to utter the magic words (Golden Key!) to one of the bar staff for a very special treat - Oh, and grab some photos of that view!!
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.